A 57-year-old man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after two dogs were discovered inside a bike locker at a train station in Australia, authorities said.
The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) said the man was arrested after the dogs were found in severe distress.
Police were called to Penrith railway station — about 34 miles west of central Sydney — around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, following reports of barking coming from a metal bike locker. With assistance from Fire and Rescue NSW, officers opened the locker and found two greyhounds inside. One dog was already dead at the scene.
The second greyhound was suffering from extreme heatstroke and was rushed to a local veterinarian, but later died.
After investigating, police arrested a 57-year-old man on Station Street in Penrith at about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20. Authorities have not released details about how they linked the suspect to the incident or confirmed whether the dogs belonged to him.
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Local outlet The Western Weekender identified the man as Sandy Norrie.
He was taken to St. Marys Police Station and charged with 10 animal cruelty offenses. According to the NSWPF, the charges include two counts of recklessly beating and killing an animal, committing an act of aggravated cruelty, confining an animal in a cage too small for proper exercise, committing an act of cruelty, and failing to provide adequate care while in charge of an animal.
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The man was refused bail and appeared in court on Nov. 20. He is due to return to court on Thursday, Nov. 27.
The case comes amid tougher animal cruelty laws across parts of Australia. Several states — including South Australia — have recently increased penalties for animal abuse. In South Australia, offenders can now face fines of up to $250,000 and as much as 10 years in prison, according to Vet Practice Magazine. That’s a sharp rise from the previous maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and four years in jail. Corporations found guilty of mistreating animals can be fined up to $1 million, the outlet reported.
